Container lid and related methods

ABSTRACT

A lid for use with a beverage container, comprising: (a) a side wall, wherein the side wall is generally annular; (b) a top wall, wherein the top wall extends radially inward from the side wall; (c) a rib, wherein the rib is generally annular and emanates from the side wall; and (d) a skirt, wherein the skirt is generally annular and emanates from the rib; the top wall including a central planar region which is pre-scored to be pushed downward to hold a reservoir adapted to contain a food condiment.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a perfection of Application Ser. No. 63/388,803, provisionally filed on Jul. 13, 2022, the disclosure of which is fully incorporated by reference herein.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable.

THE NAMES OF THE PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT

Not Applicable.

INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC OR AS A TEXT FILE VIA THE OFFICE ELECTRONIC FILING SYSTEM (EFS-WEB)

Not Applicable.

STATEMENT REGARDING PRIOR DISCLOSURES BY THE INVENTOR OR A JOINT INVENTOR

Not Applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION (1) Field of the Invention

The present invention generally relates to container lids. More particularly, it relates to disposable container lids that include a condiment reservoir. The container lids of this invention are preferably associated with beverage cups/containers provided by drive-thru restaurants and other fast food establishments. These lids do not require additional materials to manufacture but rather improved scoring procedures to achieve a pushed in recess for holding a condiment reservoir in the flat drink lid, i.e., a so-called “dip lid”.

The container lids of the present invention are ultra-convenient and allow users the essentially hands-free option of dipping fries, nuggets or the like, while on the go. The container lids of the present invention also help to keep children and automobiles cleaner than when traditional container lids, without reservoirs, are used or when condiment tubs/cups are handheld separately.

The container lids of the present invention, when secured to a container having a cool and/or iced beverage, enable condiments to stay cooler for a substantially longer period of time.

(2) Description of Related Art Including Information Disclosed Under 37 CFR 1.97 and 1.98

Lids for containers have been known for years and are the subject of a plurality of patents including, for example: Palazzolo U.S. Published Application No. 20210047082, Hill et al U.S. Published Application No. 20200163478, Sedgwick U.S. Pat. No. 10,633,155, White U.S. Pat. No. 8,231,026, Palazzolo U.S. Design Patent Nos. 980,063 and 909,203, Kassler et al U.S. Design Patent No. D857,498, Schaefer U.S. Pat. No. 6,578,726, Thompson U.S. Pat. No. 5,722,558, British Patent No. 2,593,423, Korean Patent No. KR2019000308 and Asselin WO 2004012566—all of which are incorporated by reference herein.

While the above-identified patents do appear to disclose various container lids, their configurations remain non-desirous and/or problematic as, among other things, none of the above-identified container lids are useful as flat beverage container lids “most of the time”, but, when needed, can be pre-scored with a planar push-in for holding a condiment tub/cup for essentially hands-free dipping of fries and/or nuggets, on the go, without requiring additional lid-making materials, either a domed top or a beveled recess bottom. This invention uses the flat nature of a standard sized beverage lid that is pre-scored to open a downwardly extending tub/cup holder . . . at the same horizontal level as the lid body proper.

These and other objects of the present invention will become apparent in view of the present specification, claims, and accompanying photographs/drawings.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a lid for use with a beverage container, comprising: (a) a side wall, wherein the side wall is generally annular; (b) a top wall, wherein the top wall extends radially inward from the side wall; (c) a rib, wherein the rib is generally annular and emanates from the side wall; and (d) a skirt, wherein the skirt is generally annular and emanates from the rib; the top wall including a central planar region which is pre-scored to be pushed downward to hold a reservoir adapted to contain a food condiment.

In a preferred embodiment, the top wall further comprises an aperture for receiving a straw therethrough.

In another preferred embodiment, the rib is releasably connectable and/or securable to the beverage container.

In one aspect of the present invention, the skirt is adapted to regulate vertical displacement of the lid when stacked with one or more other lid(s).

In a preferred embodiment, the pushed in condiment reservoir is positioned proximate to at least one of ice and a flowable liquid within the container proper. Before the installation of the condiment reservoir INTO the lid of this invention, it may be preferred to take a slight sip of beverage from the cup for sufficiently reducing its level to adequately accommodate the bottom most plane of the condiment reservoir pushed through the lid of this invention.

In yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the lid comprises a paper product, a wax coated paper product, a plastic, and/or a thermoplastic.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the lid comprises at least one of the group consisting of an aliphatic polyamide, a semi-aromatic polyamide, and combinations thereof.

The invention is further directed to a method for scoring such lids and another method for using a such a scored lid in combination with a container, comprising the steps of: (a) providing a lid having the aforementioned components of: (1) a side wall, wherein the side wall is generally annular; (2) a top wall, wherein the top wall extends radially inward from the side wall; (3) a rib, wherein the rib is generally annular and emanates from the side wall; and (4) a skirt, wherein the skirt is generally annular and emanates from the rib; the top wall including a central planar region which is pre-scored to be pushed downward to hold a third party's reservoir adapted to contain a food condiment; (b) providing a container; (c) associating at least one of ice and a liquid with the container; (d) securing the lid to the container; (e) pushing in the pre-scored region of the top wall and (f) positioning a condiment reservoir into the pushed in region of the lid.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)

Certain embodiments of the present invention are illustrated by the accompanying figures, both photographs and drawings. It will be understood that the figures are not necessarily to scale and that details not necessary for an understanding of the invention or that render other details difficult to perceive may be omitted.

It will be further understood that the invention is not necessarily limited to the particular embodiments illustrated herein.

The invention will now be described with reference to the photographs/drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of one embodiment of lid L positioned atop a beverage cup/container C with a straw S for inserting through an aperture SA in that lid adjacent a tub surround TS pre-scored to a sauce tub ST, the scoring including a hexagonal pattern along score lines 2, 4 and 6;

FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the same embodiment of lid L from FIG. 1 with the sauce tub ST pushed downwardly into the recess R into lid L;

FIG. 3 is another perspective view showing the sauce tub ST resting within its recess R into lid L;

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of a second embodiment of lid L per this invention, said lid further exhibiting a set of straw scored lines SSL adjacent a tub surround TS having only one elongate score line 10 that extends cross-sectionally the width of tub surround TS; though not seen in this view, the pre-scoring may further include one or more pre-scorings (un-numbered) perpendicular to elongate score line 10;

FIG. 5 is an upper cross-sectional view of the lid L from FIG. 4 with its score lines 10 pressed in to expose recess R into which sauce tub ST was “installed”, or laid in place;

FIG. 6 is a top plan view showing another embodiment lid L having an octagonal score line configuration made by the intersections of pre-scorings 12, 14, 16 and 18; and

FIG. 7 is a top plan view showing yet another embodiment of lid L with a specially-shaped tub surround TS2 for a food supplier's specially designed sauce tub (not shown), this vendor's sauce tub having a “trademark-like” angle at one corner with the tub surround of this embodiment having a corresponding corner angle at TSA.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings and described herein in detail several specific embodiments with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the embodiments illustrated.

It will be understood that like or analogous elements and/or components, referred to herein, may be identified throughout the drawings by like reference characters. In addition, it will be understood that the drawings are merely schematic representations of one or more embodiments of the invention, and some of the components may have been distorted from their actual scale for purposes of pictorial clarity.

The Dip Lid

Description—A plastic, disposable fast food drink lid with a custom perforated tab designed to pop/fold in allowing a perfect space for most fast food sauces. It is meant to keep your sauce reservoir/cup/tub secured and conveniently placed for easy access.

In recent years, fast food consumption has been on the rise. People around the world consume these foods because they are easy and fast. Nowadays people are on the move and in a hurry, grabbing something to eat and drink while usually on the go, or while doing other things outside the home. Fast food restaurants, sell items like French fries, chicken tenders, onion rings, potato wedges and others who all usually come with a dipping sauce.

One of the issue that consumers face while eating a food item that needs to be dipped is securing the dipping sauce container/reservoir/tub/cup so that the contents of that container don't spill or get all over ones hands. It is often quite difficult to hold your food with one hand while dealing with the sauce container, while using your other hand to hold your phone, drive or deal with something else. The sauce container often spills onto the food box, or you get it all over your hands while trying to juggle it all.

The dip lid allows the consumer to secure his/her dipping sauce ON the lid of a beverage container and allowing for dipping foodstuffs therein without getting sauce all over themselves or otherwise spilling it. The dip lid is designed with a push-in, perforated section (pre-scored) that will hold the dipping sauce tub securely in place and a second perforation, off-centered, for allowing the insertion of a straw therethrough. This invention will let a consumer safely access their food dipping sauce WHILE still being able to drink their beverage about the sauce-holding lid.

Referring now to the drawings, one embodiment of lid is shown releasably secured to its beverage container. This lid generally comprises a side wall, top wall, rib and skirt. Unlike any other prior art lids, the top wall of this lid includes a central planar region which is pre-scored to be pushed downward to hold a third party's reservoir adapted to contain a food condiment.

In accordance with the present invention, this lid is ultra-convenient and allows a user the essentially hands-free option of dipping, for example, fries and/or nuggets, while on the go. In one embodiment, this lid allows for individual condiment containers and/or packets to be placed/releasably secured in its user-created reservoir. In addition, this same lid helps to keep children and automobiles cleaner than when a traditional container lid, without a sauce-dipping reservoir, is used.

With this invention, the lid can fit (snap) onto a container holding ice and a beverage.

Preferably, the container is not filled to the brim as installation of a condiment tub into this lid may displace some of the beverage. Alternately, the lid user/consumer may first insert his/her straw through the lid and take an initial sip of beverage before attempting to install his/her dipping tub through the lid's other perforated regions.

The side wall of this lid is preferably generally annular and includes an upper portion and a lower portion. The same side wall preferably includes an outer peripheral geometry that is smaller proximate the upper portion compared to the lower portion.

The lid's top wall extends radially inward from an upper portion of aforementioned side wall. Top wall includes a first scored aperture for receiving a straw therethrough. The second scored aperture therein is meant to be pushed in for subsequently positioning a condiment reservoir (or tub).

In one embodiment, the rib of this lid is generally annular and positioned between both side wall and skirt lid portions. During normal use, this rib releasably secures to the top of the beverage container proper.

The skirt of this lid is preferably generally annular and emanates from its rib component. Preferably, this skirt is adapted to regulate vertical displacement of the lid when stacked with one or more other lid(s).

In one embodiment of the invention, this new and improved lid is fabricated from a paper product, a plastic, and/or a thermoplastic—just to name a few. Alternately, it can be made from an aliphatic polyamide, a semi-aromatic polyamide, and combinations thereof. Still other alternatives include fabricating from at least one of the group consisting of nylon PA 6, nylon PA 66, nylon PA 6/66, nylon PA 66/610, and combinations thereof. Lastly, this lid may be made from a polycarbonate, an acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, a nylon, a copolyester, a polystyrene, a high impact polystyrene, a polyphenylene oxide, and combinations thereof.

In operation, the present invention is further directed to, a method for making the aforementioned lid, complete with substeps for scoring perforation lines and, preferably, pre-folding marks therein. A method for USING such lids is also disclosed. It includes (a) comprising the aforementioned lid configuration, then (b) providing a beverage container; (c) adding at least one of ice and a drinking liquid to the uppermost rim of this container. Next, a straw is inserted through said lid—for sipping some of the container's contents if filled too high. Then, the perforations in the top wall of this lid are pushed (NOT forced) in to form a receptable/recess for holding the reservoir of condiment dipping sauce.

The foregoing description merely explains and illustrates the invention and the invention is not limited thereto except insofar as the appended claims are so limited, as those skilled in the art who have the disclosure before them will be able to make modifications without departing from the scope of the invention.

While certain embodiments have been illustrated and described, it should be understood that changes and modifications can be made in accordance with ordinary skill in the art.

The embodiments, illustratively described herein may suitably be practiced in the absence of any element or elements, limitation or limitations, not specifically disclosed herein. Thus, for example, the terms “comprising,” “including,” “containing,” etcetera shall be read expansively and without limitation. The terms and expressions employed herein have been used as terms of description and not of limitation, and there is no intention in the use of such terms and expressions of excluding any equivalents of the features shown and described or portions thereof, but it is recognized that various modifications are possible within the scope of the claimed technology. Additionally, the phrase “consisting essentially of” will be understood to include those elements specifically recited and those additional elements that do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristics of the claimed technology. The phrase “consisting of” excludes any element not specified.

The present disclosure is not to be limited in terms of the particular embodiments described in this application. Many modifications and variations can be made without departing from its spirit and scope, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Functionally equivalent methods and compositions within the scope of the disclosure, in addition to those enumerated herein, will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing descriptions. Such modifications and variations are intended to fall within the scope of the appended claims. The present disclosure is to be limited only by the terms of the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. It is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to particular methods, compounds compositions or systems, which can vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments and not intended to be limiting.

As will be understood by one skilled in the art, all ranges disclosed herein encompass any and all possible subranges and combinations of subranges thereof. Any listed range can be easily recognized as sufficiently describing and enabling the same range being broken down into at least equal halves, thirds, quarters, fifths, tenths, etc. As a non-limiting example, each range discussed herein can be readily broken down into a lower third, middle third and upper third, etc. It will also be understood by one skilled in the art that language such as “up to,” “at least,” “greater than,” “less than,” and the like, include the number recited and refer to ranges which can be subsequently broken down into subranges as discussed above. Finally, as will be understood by one skilled in the art, a range includes each individual member between its minimum and maximum ‘bookends’.

All publications, patent applications, issued patents, and other documents referred to in this specification are herein incorporated by reference as if each individual publication, patent application, issued patent, or other document was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference in its entirety. Definitions that are contained in text incorporated by reference are excluded to the extent that they contradict definitions in this disclosure.

Other embodiments are set forth in the following claims.

Having described the best modes currently known for practicing this system and method, it is to be understood that the scope of this invention may be further described by the attached claims.

SEQUENCE LISTING

Not applicable. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A dipping sauce-holding beverage container lid comprising: a side wall, wherein the side wall is generally annular; a top wall, wherein the top wall extends radially inward from the side wall; a rib, wherein the rib is generally annular and emanates from the side wall; and a skirt, wherein the skirt is generally annular and emanates from the rib; the top wall including a central planar region which is pre-scored an adapted for being pushed in and downward to hold a reservoir adapted for holding a food condiment.
 2. The container lid of claim 1 wherein the top wall further comprises an aperture for receiving a straw therethrough.
 3. The container lid of claim 1 wherein the rib is releasably connectable to the beverage container.
 4. The container lid of claim 1 wherein the skirt is adapted to regulate vertical displacement of the lid when stacked with a plurality of other lids.
 5. The container lid of claim 1 wherein the pre-scored reservoir is polygonal and includes a plurality of pre-score lines.
 6. The container lid of claim 5 wherein the reservoir is substantially rectangular.
 7. The container lid of claim 1 wherein the reservoir is circular.
 8. The container lid of claim 1 wherein the reservoir is oval.
 9. The container lid of claim 1 wherein the top wall is pre-scored with an H shape to provide for push down access to hold a condiment tub.
 10. The container lid of claim 1 wherein the top wall is pre-scored with a plurality of V shapes that meet in a centrally located aperture.
 11. The container lid of claim 1 which is adapted to have some beverage removed if filled too high before the pre-scored lines are pushed in and a condiment tub inserted therethrough.
 12. The container lid of claim 1 wherein the lid comprises a plastic or thermoplastic.
 13. A method for making a lid for use in association with a beverage container, said lid consisting of: a side wall, wherein the side wall is generally annular; a top wall, wherein the top wall extends radially inward from the side wall, and wherein the top wall includes an aperture for receiving a straw therethrough; a rib, wherein the rib is generally annular and emanates from the side wall; and a skirt, wherein the skirt is generally annular and emanates from the rib; said top wall including a central planar region which is pre-scored to be pushed downward to hold a reservoir adapted to contain a food condiment, said method comprising the steps of: (a) providing the aforementioned lid; and (b) pre-scoring a plurality of push-in lines into the top wall so as to enable a user to insert the reservoir therein.
 14. The method of claim 13, which further includes: (c) pre-scoring a plurality of lid fold lines into the top wall.
 15. The method of claim 13 wherein the push-in lines are H-shaped.
 16. A method for using a condiment tub-holding lid in combination with a container, comprising the steps of: (a) providing a lid, comprising: a side wall, wherein the side wall is generally annular; a top wall, wherein the top wall extends radially inward from the side wall; a rib, wherein the rib is generally annular and emanates from the side wall; and a skirt, wherein the skirt is generally annular and emanates from the rib; the top wall including a central planar region which is pre-scored to be pushed downward to hold a third party's reservoir adapted to contain a food condiment; (b) pre-scoring into the lid a plurality of push-in lines for the user to create a reservoir-holding region in the top wall when needed; (c) providing a container for holding at least some drinking beverage, with or without ice; (d) securing the lid to the container; (e) if over-filled, removing a slight amount of beverage from the container through a straw inserted into an aperture in the lid; (f) pushing in the pre-scored lines in the top wall; and (g) positioning a condiment container into the recess in the top wall created by pushing in at the pre-scored lines. 